Quintin Mikell was one of the Rams’ better defenders in 2012, finishing third on the team in tackles (114) and recording three sacks from his strong safety position.

But in a year in which the team faces a snug salary cap situation, his scheduled base salary of $6 million in 2013 proved his undoing.

The Rams have decided to release Mikell, team sources told the Post-Dispatch on Sunday evening, in a move that will save the team $3 million in cap space.

It’s only a $3 million cap savings because $3 million of previously un-amortized signing bonus now accelerates — or is counted — against the 2013 cap because of Mikell’s release.

It’s unclear if the Rams will attempt to re-sign Mikell. But overall it’s a crowded market, with several safeties released in recent days into a pool of safeties that already offered several unrestricted options at the position.

Mikell turns 33 in September, so age isn’t in his favor.

With free safety Craig Dahl scheduled for unrestricted free agent Tuesday, the Rams could have two new starters at safety next season.